Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Sinn Féin TD for Carlow-Kilkenny Kathleen Funchion has said
the Minister’s response to her questions last night indicated a green light for
plans to cut services and that any move to take beds from the gynaecological
and maternity wards will inevitably put patients, including new born
babies, at risk of infection as any overflow on the ward will affect
conditions.

She said:

“Judging by Minister McGrath comments last night, the
proposal to cut maternity services at St. Luke’s hospital has clearly gotten
the green light by the HSE.

“I raised the urgent and critical issue of the proposals to
use Maternity beds at St Luke’s hospital to help address the current
overcrowding. I was seeking assurance from Minister for Health Simon
Harris that this would be examined given the huge concerns of both hospital
staff and patients.

“Any move to take beds from the gynaecological and maternity
wards will inevitably put patients, including new born babies, at risk of
infection as any overflow on the ward will affect conditions.

“There would also be safety and privacy concerns, for both
women and their babies.

“I feel, and more importantly the staff, doctors, and
specialists at St. Luke’s believe that if this is implemented, it would be
reckless move on the part of St. Luke’s management – showing no regard for the
health and well-being of female patients and new born babies in the gynaecology
and maternity wards.

“Minister of State Finian McGrath took my questions on
behalf of the Health Minister and said he has been assured that any beds used
for emergency department referrals would be in an enclosed 4-bed bay and not
part of a larger maternity ward.

“However, having been a patient myself there and being
familiar with the layout in that part of the hospital I know the circumstances
and that cross contamination is a significant risk as patients on that corridor
would no doubt share facilities. Why take such a risk?

“We also know that Census 2016 indicated an increase of 4.1%
in population of Carlow and 3.9% in Kilkenny. The projected requirement for
maternity services in the 25-44 years age group (child bearing) will increase
which would support the need for developing services as opposed to cutting
them.

“I have made repeated attempts to get clarification from
management at St. Luke’s Hospital but to date have not had a response. I am
incredibly disappointed at this.

“The staff at St Luke’s have stated that if a 15% reduction
in current bed capacity goes ahead, the quality and safety of care provided
will be greatly comprised when women are allocated to beds on corridors, which
they feel is a forgone conclusion given the restraints they are currently
under.

“Finally, if this decision is put into motion it will impact
significantly on staff morale which in turn can cause issues with maintaining a
properly staffed work force and enticing future midwives to St. Luke’s unit.

“Both short and long term repercussions of this move would
be huge for the patients and staff’s wellbeing and safety.

“I am unhappy with the Minister’s response and
will not be letting this issue go. I’m asking both the Minister and the HSE to
listen to the concerns of those who are working on the frontline - to see
the wider picture and understand the potential consequences.”